SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION SOC
LIMITED
TENDERERS ARE REQUIRED TO TREAT THE DETAILS OF
THIS RFI ENQUIRY AS CONFIDENTIAL.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
RFI NUMBER: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI TITLE: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT
INFRASTRUCTURE
Address:
SABC Auckland Park
Cnr Henley and Artillery Road
Auckland Park
2006
Telephone:
011 714 4764
Contact Person:
Mimi Lushaba
Tender office Supervisor
lushabam@sabc.co.za
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
EXPECTED TIMEFRAME
TENDER PROCESS
EXPECTED DATES
RFI Issue Date
2015/02/13
Available on SABC Internet
2015/02/13
Briefing Session
2015/02/27@11:00 am
RFI Closing Date
2015/03/10
The Corporation retains the right to change the timeframe whenever necessary and for whatever
reason it deems fit.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (OPTIONAL)
1) Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
2) Valid TV Licence (Company’s and all Directors)
3) Valid BBBEE Certificate (from SANAS affiliated Agency)
4) Company Registration Document
5) Shareholders’ certificates
CONTACT DETAILS OF THE BIDDER:
Company Name: _______________________________________________
Physical Address: ________________________________________________
____________________________________________
Contact person:
Name
: ______________________________________________
Telephone
: ______________________________________________
Mobile
: ______________________________________________
Fax
: _______________________________________________
E-mail address: _______________________________________________
2
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR THE EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT
INFRASTRUCTURE
1.
Background
The SABC’s mission is to deliver a variety of high quality programmes and services through
television and radio that informs, educates, entertains and supports the public at large.
The SABC is extensively reliant on Technology to deliver on this mandate and ensure
efficient business operations. However, there were instances during the fiscal when
challenges were experienced with availability and support of the IT network, supporting
infrastructure, applications and databases. This poses a risk to the SABC, who is
extensively reliant on Technology to ensure efficient business operations.
In response to resolving the challenges, we request an external company do an
assessment of the entire SABC IT architecture. This will empower the SABC Technology
division to have a definitive list of challenges to resolve, pertaining
2.
Technical overview of the SABC IT network and infrastructure
The SABC has approximately 100 servers (Windows, UNIX, Linux and Mainframe) located
across the SABC and some of them do run virtual instances. The SABC use many different
types of applications e.g. SAP and ScheduAll, that store information is different types of
databases e.g. Oracle, Sql, etc.). In addition, each provincial office that has a radio station
play out will also have servers and a domain controller
The SABC WAN infrastructure is an Internet protocol (IP) based network serving roughly
7000 hosts around the country. The IP network provides for normal office data such as email, file sharing, internet access, broadcast audio, broadcast video and IP telephony. The
hub of the network is situated at the SABC Auckland Park campus in Johannesburg and
provincial offices are located in all major cities such as Cape Town , Durban, Port Elizabeth
, Bloemfontein , Pretoria , and smaller offices in Mahikeng, Nelspruit , Polokwane , Mthatha
, Kimberley , Bhisho and Richards Bay. All the above-mentioned regional offices connect
directly to the main office through Telkom Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) links that
forms a hub and spoke topology. In addition, there are a few smaller sub-provincial offices
in places like George , Parliament offices , Montagu , East London , Thoyandou and
Platfontein that connect to the closest main regional office with Telkom Diginet links with
capacities ranging from 256kbps to 2Mbps. The main regional offices also have backup
3
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
ISDN dial-up lines that could be utilized in case of the failure of the main ATM trunks or for
faultfinding purposes. Cisco’s enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP) is
utilized as a routing protocol throughout.
A wide area link from Johannesburg to any major region consists of 12 Mbps ATM links that
are separated into permanent virtual circuits with different ATM adaptation layer and bit rate
profiles. These provide for the different needs of ip data, real time compressed audio and
video for contribution and broadcasting purposes. The video circuit utilizes a 6Mbps PVC
with 6Mbps left for data and audio. Every major region’s Telkom link terminates on an
Atecom ATM adaptor. These handle the video as well as audio circuits and utilize a
cascade port to provide for connectivity to a Cisco 7200 router for IP connectivity. This
router has eight serial ports for connectivity to sub-provinces and ad-hoc connections up to
2mps as well as eight ISDN ports for any connections to regional outside broadcasting
vans. At Auckland Park, there are dual termination of ATM circuits at Cisco MGX
multiservice ATM switches located at both Radiopark (RMC) and Henley television facilities
(MCR). A Packetshaper monitors and manages the bandwidth to and from connected
regions.
Provincial Local area networks, which are in bigger provincial offices, consist of dual Cisco
3750 24-port gigabit Ethernet switches that provide redundant gigabit connectivity for all
regional servers as well as for links to access switches, which are mainly Cisco 3550 or
3560 Power over Ethernet models. All provincial LANs have Domain controller servers that
also provide DNS and DHCP services. The only provincial office with IP telephony services
currently is Nelspruit. As such, the only difference in the LAN implementation is the routing
functions moving down to stacked gigabit switches with separate Virtual LANS (VLANS)
created for data and telephony, and with Quality of Service implemented at layer 2 and 3.
The implementation of IP telephony also necessitated a more robust design with dual
redundant gigabit links from access layer switches to the distribution stack.
The Auckland Park campus LAN consists of a collapsed core network that caters for direct
connection of all servers directly onto either of two modular Cisco 6509 gigabit Ethernet
switches. Different VLANS are configured on the core for different server sub networks. All
distribution layer switches are dual connected to the core with multimode fibre optical
gigabit links with either dual routed links or hot standby routing protocol (HSRP) for fault
tolerance. Access layer switches will be dual connected with gigabit links and will allow for
host connectivity of 100Mbps.
The Auckland Park LAN currently consists or around 400
Cisco switch units, mainly in 24 port unit configurations.
4
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
3.
Requirements


The assessment will include:
o All systems/ servers across SABC i.e. regions and Head Office.
o Detailed risk analysis
o Identify single points of failure on the network and server environments
o Identify if server architecture has redundancy built in
o Identify if redundancy is built into the network level
o Check if servers are adequate to support the software, tools/ services that run on
them
o Check if server software is outdated
o Check if servers are end of life
o Evaluate the patch management solution and deployment
o Evaluate the anti-virus management solution and deployment
o Evaluate if redundancy measures are adequate
o Support contracts are in place for the servers and key applications (e.g. SAP)
running on the servers
o Are these support contracts best suited for the SABC
o Identify applications/ services/ tools that we are paying licenses for and not
utilizing
o Assess the adequacy of performance management tools in place for the:
 Network (LAN and WAN) environment
 Server environment
 Application environment
The output of the assessment will include, but is not limited to:
 A report of the weaknesses, challenges and shortcomings identified.
 A report recommendations for improvement of network architecture,
infrastructure, tools and other areas of improvement
 Any other value adding items that the vendor deems necessary
It is expected that the SABC will own the intellectual property and results, the supplier will
use technically verifiable methods of assessment (not merely interviews), current legislation
and industry best practice and to evaluate the network e.g. network scans to identify
bottlenecks.
4.
Items not in scope
The following items are not in scope:
• Structure of the IT business unit
• Skill sets of staff within the IT business unit
• Contracts/ SLA’s with service providers that are not network and infrastructure related
5.
Benefits
The SABC will have a detailed listing of the challenges and areas for improvement with the
IT network and infrastructure. This will then allow the corporation to action the
recommendations to ensure that the IT network and infrastructure is robust, reliable and
supports critical business functions such as revenue generation.
5
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
6.
Linked Projects
This request will have no impact on any projects underway/ projected. However, the
information obtained as part of the output of this review, may be addressed by other
projects that are underway/ planned.
7.
Business Continuity Aspects of this Proposal
This is solely a review of our network and infrastructure. It is anticipated that network tools
will be executed as part of this assessment, to understand the SABC network. Following
supplier selection, we will engage with the supplier to ensure that the tools being run have
minimal impact on the SABC network
.
Impact on Infrastructure, Human Resources and Training
8.
Impact Area
No impact
Impact
(Y/N)
Estimate
d value
of impact
(R)
Is cost
included
in
requested
budget?
(Y/N)
N
No impact
No impact
Name of
person
consulted
with regards
to the
impact and
cost
No impact
Comments
No impact
9. BRIEFING SESSION
A briefing Session will be held as per the details below:Date: 2015/02/27
Time: 11h00
Venue: K1 Auditorium SABC Radio Park, Henley Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
10. EVALUATION CRITERIA
The RFI will be evaluated based on the information received.
The following evaluation criteria will be used in next phase of the tender process.
Evaluation of responses will be done in three major categories, each consisting of several minor
categories and is based on predetermined weightings as follows:



6
BBBEE Information - (provide BBBEE certificate or a letter from the auditor confirming
your annual turnover)
Price Information - (Detailed Cost Breakdown to be submitted)
Technical Information – (Detailed Technical Solution to be provided)
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
11. CONSORTIUMS, JOINT VENTURES AND SUB-CONTRACTING REGULATIONS
11.1. SUB-CONTRACTING
11.1.1 A tenderer will not be awarded points for B-BBEE status if it is indicated in the tender
documents that such a tenderer intends sub-contracting more than 25% of the value of
the contract to any other enterprise that does not qualify for at least the points the
tenderer qualifies for, unless the intended sub-contractor is an exempted micro
enterprise that has the capacity and ability to execute the sub-contract.
11.1.2 A tenderer awarded a contract may not sub-contract more than 25% of the value of the
contract to any other enterprise that does not have an equal or higher B-BBEE status
level than the tenderer concerned, unless the contract is sub-contracted to an exempted
micro enterprise that has the capability and ability to execute the sub-contract.
11.1.3 A tenderer awarded a contract in relation to a designated sector, may not sub-contract in
such a manner that the local production and content of the overall value of the contract
is reduced to below the stipulated minimum threshold.
11.2. DECLARATION OF SUB-CONTRACTING
11.2.1 Will any portion of the contract be sub-contracted? YES / NO
11.2.2 If yes indicate:

What percentage of the contract will be sub-contracted....................%

The name of the sub-contractor............................................................

The B-BBEE status level of the sub-contractor.....................................

Whether the sub-contractor is an EME
YES / NO
_________________________
_________________
___________
SIGNATURE OF DECLARANT
RFI NUMBER
DATE
__________________________
___________________________________
POSITION OF DECLARANT
NAME OF COMPANY OR TENDERER
12. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
12.1 Any legal or natural person, excluding any permanent employee of SABC, may make an
offer or offers in terms of this tender invitation. In view of possible allegations of favouritism,
should the resulting tenderer or part thereof be awarded to:
7
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
(a) any person employed by the SABC in the capacity of Tenderer, consultant or
service provider; or
(b) any person who acts on behalf of SABC; or
(c) any person having kinship, including a blood relationship, with a person
employed by, or who acts on behalf of SABC; or
(d) any legal person which is in any way connected to any person contemplated in
paragraph (a), (b) or (c),
It is required that:
The Tenderer or his/her authorised representative shall declare his/her position vis-à-vis SABC
and/or take an oath declaring his/her interest, where it is known that any such relationship exists
between the Tenderer and a person employed by SABC in any capacity.
Does such a relationship exist? [YES/NO]
If YES, state particulars of all such relationships (if necessary, please add additional pages
containing the required information):
NAME: …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
POSITION: ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
OFIFICE WHERE EMPLOYED: ………………………………………………………………………
TELEPHONE NUMBER: ……………………………………………………………………………….
RELATIONSHIP…………………………………………………………………………………
12.2 Failure on the part of a Tenderer to fill in and/or sign this certificate may be interpreted to
mean that an association as stipulated in paragraph 1, supra, exists.
12.3 In the event of a contract being awarded to a Tenderer with an association as stipulated in
paragraph 1, supra, and it subsequently becomes known that false information was provided in
response to the above question, SABC may, in addition to any other remedy it may have:
recover from the Tenderer all costs, losses or damages incurred or sustained by
SABC as a result of the award of the contract; and/or
cancel the contract and claim any damages, which SABC may suffer by having to
make less favourable arrangements after such cancellation.
_________________________
_________________
___________
SIGNATURE OF DECLARANT
TENDER NUMBER
DATE
__________________________
___________________________________
POSITION OF DECLARANT
NAME OF COMPANY OR TENDERER
13. GENERAL INFORMATION
8
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
Contact Persons for Tenderer Queries
Enquiries in respect of this RFI should be addressed to:
Mimi Lushaba – Tender Office Supervisor
Procurement Division,
Radio Park Office Block
Henley Road
Auckland Park
Johannesburg
South Africa
E-mail: lushabam@sabc.co.za
Phone: 011 714 4764
9
RFI Number: RFI/ITI/15/02
RFI Title: EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
14. NOTICE TO INTERESTED TENDERERS
14.1 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DOCUMENTS
14.1.1
The Request for Information shall be used in preparation for the proposal; the SABC
assumes no responsibility for errors or misinterpretation resulting from the use of an
incomplete Request for Information.
14.1.2
The SABC will avail/send copies of the Request for Information on the above terms,
does so only for the purpose of obtaining information for the project and does not confer
permission for any other use.
14.2 INTERPRETATIONS
14.2.1
All questions about the meaning or intent of the Request for Information shall be
submitted in writing to the SABC on the set closing date. Replies will be issued via
Addenda through electronic mail to all parties recorded by the SABC as having received
the Request for Information response. Questions received less than three (3) days prior to
the submission date will not be answered. Only questions answered by e-mail via the
tender office will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without
legal effect.
14.2.2
Interested tenderers should promptly notify the SABC of any ambiguity, inconsistency,
or errors which they may discover upon examination of the Request for Information.
14. 3 SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
14.3.1 Final tenders in duplicate (plus electronic copy) must be deposited into the tender box
on or before the closing date. The tenders must be enclosed in a sealed envelope which
must have inscribed on the outside: The RFI number : RFI/ITI/15/02
14.3.2 Electronic Copy of Tendered Equipment List
Tenderers are requested to supply (in the tender response documentation) 1 (one) original
hardcopy, 1 (one) copy of the original and a soft copy of the tender document. The equipment
list and pricing schedule within the electronic copy shall be a Microsoft Excel 2002 or later
version (editable) compatible (or importable alternative) spreadsheet. Pricing submitted in
Acrobat is not acceptable. It must be submitted with the tender on CD ROM media as size
demands.
END OF RFI DOCUMENT
10